Portable electronic device case with battery

ABSTRACT

A case for an electronic device protects and extends the battery life of the electronic device. The case has a lower case portion and an upper case portion, which assemble together to protect the top, side, and bottom edges of the electronic device. The lower case portion includes a battery to extend the battery life of the electronic device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/580,977, filed Oct. 16, 2009, issued as U.S. Pat. No.7,782,610 on Aug. 24, 2010, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/464,059, filed May 11, 2009, issued as U.S. Pat.No. 7,612,997 on Nov. 3, 2009, which claims the benefit of U.S.provisional applications 61/115,529, filed Nov. 17, 2008, 61/157,111,filed Mar. 3, 2009, and 61/171,455, filed Apr. 21, 2009. Theseapplications are incorporated by reference along with all otherreferences cited in this application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a case for portable electronic devices, andmore specifically, to a case with a battery.

There are many types of portable electronic devices including personaldigital assistants (PDAs), computers, smartphones, mobile phones,satellite phones, cellular phones, pagers, music player, MP3 players,media players, digital cameras, video cameras, bar code scanner, globalpositioning system (GPS), and portable game consoles. Typically thesedevices are battery powered, so that people can carry and use thedevices during their daily lives (e.g., on a bus or train, while inflight on an airplane, at the gym on the stair stepper, walking down anaisle, riding a bike, or driving a car).

These portable electronic devices allow people to play and record music,send and receive e-mail, send text messages, browse Web pages, makephone calls, play and record video, take and view pictures, editdocuments, and much more. These devices continue to revolutionize theway people interact, learn, connect with other people, conduct business,and find things. They help people manage their daily lives and sometimesare an entertainment source.

Because portable electronic devices are somewhat fragile and used tocarry valuable personal information (e.g. phone numbers, financialinformation, private photos or videos, and favorite music tracks), manypeople protect their portable electronic devices using cases. Dependingon the particular case design, these cases protect the back, side, andfront of the devices from scratches, dings, drops, and other physicaldamage. Some cases may even have pockets to hold extra batteries ormemory. So, when a battery becomes discharged, the person can take theused battery out of the portable electronic device and replace it with afresh battery from the case's pocket. Then the used battery can berecharged using a recharger at home.

Also as modern portable electronic devices evolve, they continue toprovide more features and greater functionality. For example, screensizes become larger and have greater resolution. The devices havegreater wireless range or capabilities (e.g., 3G broadband wireless) andmore numbers of sensors (e.g., touch screen, accelerometer, proximitysensor, and ambient light sensor). Applications that run on the devicesalso may use more processing power. All these improvements and changesusually are an additional drain on the battery, shortening how longthese devices can be used on a single charge.

Therefore, it is desirable to increase the battery life of portableelectronic devices and also to protect these devices from damage. Thereis a need for a portable electronic device case that also providesadditional battery life.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A case for an electronic device protects and extends the battery life ofthe electronic device. The case has a lower case portion and an uppercase portion, which assemble together to protect the top, side, andbottom edges of the electronic device. The lower case portion includes abattery to extend the battery life of the electronic device.

To assemble the case together, the upper case portion slides onto theelectronic device and the lower case portion. The case has openingswhich allow a user with fully access the features of the portableelectronic device. A front opening of the case for a screen of theelectronic device is formed by a merging of partial openings in theupper and lower case portions. The case also allows the electronicdevice to synchronize with another device without removing it from thecase.

In an implementation, a case for an electronic device includes a lowercase or first case portion including: a base surface upon which a backof the electronic device will be placed against, where the base surfaceincludes a top edge; a battery, enclosed in the lower case portion;electronic circuitry, connected to the battery; a lower sidewall,connected to the base surface at an end opposite of the top edge, thatwill be positioned against a bottom side edge of the electronic device;an inner connector, on the lower sidewall, positioned to connect to aconnector of the electronic device, and connected through the electroniccircuitry to the battery; and an outer connector, positioned on anoutside bottom side of the lower case portion, connected through theelectronic circuitry to the battery and inner connector.

The case includes an upper or second case portion including: an uppersidewall that will be positioned against a top side edge of theelectronic device when the upper case portion is seated against thelower case portion; and an open side end, opposite of the uppersidewall. The upper case portion slides onto the lower case portionthrough the open side end in a direction along the base surface from thetop edge to the lower sidewall. When the upper case portion is seatedagainst the lower case portion, the upper and lower case portions meetat and form a seam which extends across a back of the case.

In various implementations, the upper case portion further includes aleft sidewall having an opening through which buttons on a left side ofthe electronic device will be accessible. The lower case portion furtherincludes a back surface having a button, connected to the electroniccircuitry, positioned on a side of the seam line closer to the outsidebottom side of the lower case portion. The lower case portion includesan opening through the base back surface against which a camera lensopening of the electronic device will be placed. The lower and uppercase portion are made of rigid plastic material. In particular, theupper and lower portions are not made of a relatively flexible materialsuch as rubber or silicone.

The lower case portion includes: a first group of openings, positionedon the lower sidewall on a first side from the inner connector, where afirst speaker opening for the electronic will be placed against thefirst openings when electronic device is connected to the innerconnector. There is a second group of openings, positioned on the lowersidewall on a second side from the inner connector, where a secondspeaker opening for the electronic will be placed against the secondopenings when electronic device is connected to the inner connector.There is a third plurality of openings, positioned on the outside bottomside, where each of the third openings is smaller than an opening forthe outer connector.

When the upper case portion is seated against the lower case portion, afirst open-polygon opening for the lower case portion merges with asecond open-polygon opening for the upper case portion to form a frontopening, having a closed-polygon shape, of the case through which ascreen of the electronic device will be visible. When the upper caseportion is seated against the lower case portion, on a back side of thecase, the upper case portion overlaps at least one portion of the lowercase portion to hold the upper case to the lower case portion.

The lower case portion has a button, connected to the electroniccircuitry. By using the button, the case can be switch from one mode toanother. For example, via the button, the case is placed in a first modeduring which synchronizing with the electronic device will be permittedor in a second mode during which charging of the electronic device willbe permitted.

The lower case portion includes some lighting indicators (e.g., LEDs),which are connected to the electronic circuitry. After pressing thebutton for a first time period, the lighting indicators will specify alevel of charge remaining for the battery. After pressing the button fora second time period, longer than the first time period, the circuitenters the first mode (e.g., synchronization). When connecting a cableto the outer connector of the lower case portion, the cable does notpass through any opening of the upper case portion.

In an implementation, a method making an electronic device caseincludes: providing a lower case portion of the electronic device caseincluding a base front surface and base back surface; enclosing abattery between the base front surface and base back surface; connectingelectronic circuitry to the battery and an inner and outer connector;and providing an upper case portion for the electronic device case thatslides onto the lower case portion, where when the upper case portion isseated against the lower case portion, the upper and lower case portionsform a seam which extends across a back of the case.

In various implementations, the base back surface includes a base upperback surface and base lower back surface, the base back surface has afirst side, a second side, and a first thickness between the first andsecond sides. The method further includes: enclosing the electroniccircuitry between the base front surface and the base lower backsurface; making a cavity in the base lower back surface, where thecavity extends from the second side toward, but not through to the firstside, and a second thickness from an end of the cavity to the first sideis thinner than the first thickness; and positioning a lighting sourceof the electronic circuitry facing toward the cavity, wherein whenturned on, the lighting source emits visible light that passes throughthe second thickness, but not the first thickness, to the first side.

The method includes: providing a button in the base back surface, wherethe button is connected to the electronic circuitry and a surface of thebutton is flush with a surface of the base back surface; providingindicator lights in the base back surface, where the indicator lightsare connected to the electronic circuitry; after holding the button fora first time period, using the indicator lights to show a charge levelof the battery; and after holding the button for a second time period,longer than the first time period, entering a sync mode to establish adata path between the inner and outer connectors.

After entering the sync mode, pressing the button causes exiting of thesync mode. After entering the sync mode, at least one of the indicatorlights is used to indicate the circuitry is in the sync mode. A metalshield is provided between the electronic circuitry and the base frontsurface.

In an implementation, a kit for case for an electronic device includes:a foam tray (e.g., black foam) including a first compartment and asecond compartment; a cable, contained within the first compartment; anda case for a portable electronic device, contained within the secondcompartment.

The case includes: a lower case portion comprising a base front surfaceand base back surface; a battery, contained between the base frontsurface and base back surface; electronic circuitry, coupled to thebattery; and an upper case portion, attached to the lower case portion.A a first open-polygon opening for the lower case portion merges with asecond open-polygon opening for the upper case portion to form a frontopening of the case through which a screen of the electronic device willbe visible, the front opening having a closed-polygon shape.

The cable is a universal serial bus cable having a first end with a USBType A plug connector and a second end having USB Mini-B plug connector.When the lower case portion is attached to the lower case portion, theupper and lower case portions meet at and form a seam which extendsacross a back of the case.

In an implementation, a case for an electronic device includes a lowercase portion and upper case portion that slides onto the lower caseportion. The lower case portion includes a battery; electroniccircuitry, connected to the battery; a lower sidewall; and an innerconnector, positioned on the lower sidewall and connected to the batterythrough the circuitry. A first opening is positioned on the lowersidewall in a first direction (e.g., left) away from the innerconnector. A second opening is positioned on the lower sidewall in asecond direction (e.g., right) away from the inner connector, where thesecond direction is opposite of the first direction. The first andsecond openings may be audio openings (e.g., stereo sound).

An outer connector is positioned on a bottom side of the lower caseportion and connected to the battery and inner connector through thecircuitry. A third opening is positioned on the bottom side, where afirst line through the first opening, second line through the secondopening, and a third line through the third opening are parallel to eachother. The base front surface may include raised cushioning stripsrunning a third direction, transverse to the first direction.

The upper case portion includes upper, first, and second sidewalls, anda seam edge extends from the first sidewall across a back of the uppercase portion through to the second sidewall. The seam edge is generallytransverse to the first line. The seam edge is generally transverse tothe strips.

The back of the lower case portion can include a number of lightingindicators, connected to the circuitry; and a button, connected to thecircuitry, where after pressing the button for a first time period(e.g., less than 3 seconds), the light indicators will specify a levelof charge remaining for the battery, and after pressing the button for asecond time period (e.g., 3 seconds or more), longer than the first timeperiod, the circuit enters a sync mode.

There are a number of ways to exit the sync mode. After entering thesync mode, when the outer connector is not connected to anotherelectronic device within a third time period (e.g., 30 seconds), longerthan the second time period, the circuitry exits the sync mode. Afterentering the sync mode, when the button is pressed, the circuitry exitsthe sync mode. After entering sync mode, when the outer connector isdisconnected from another electronic device, the circuitry exits thesync mode.

While in the sync mode, one of the lighting indicators flashes. At leastone of the lighting indicators used to indicate a charge level of thebattery is also used to indicate the circuitry is in the sync mode.

The lower case portion further includes a first camera opening on a basefront surface, where the first camera opening is a closed polygon (e.g.,circle, square, or hexagon) having a first area; and a second cameraopening on a base back surface, where the second camera opening is aclosed polygon having a second area, larger than the first area, and thebattery is enclosed between the base front surface and base backsurface.

A back of the lower case portion includes a number of lightingindicators (e.g., three, four, or five), connected to the circuitry,where a line extends between a first and second of the lightingindicators. A button is connected to the circuitry, and this button ispositioned so the line (passing through the first and second of thelighting indicators) does not pass through the button.

A back of the lower case portion includes a number of lightingindicators, connected to the circuitry, where a line segment extendsbetween a first and second of the lighting indicators. A button isconnected to the circuitry and this button is positioned in a thirddirection (e.g., below) from the line segment, transverse to the firstdirection and is equidistant (e.g., centered between) to ends of theline segment.

After the upper and lower case portions are joined, a seam line dividesthe case so the lower case portion is from about 0.18 to about 0.38 of alength of the joined case. After the upper and lower case portions arejoined, a seam line divides the case so for a front of the case, thelower case portion is about X of a length of the joined case and for aback of the case, the lower case portion is about Y of a length of thejoined case, where X and Y are numbers and Y is greater than X. Forexample, X is about 0.23 and Y is about 0.27.

In an implementation, a method includes: providing a lower case portionof an electronic device case including a base front surface and baseback surface; providing a first camera opening on the base frontsurface, where the first camera opening has a closed polygon shape;enclosing a battery between the base front surface and base backsurface; providing electronic circuitry connected to the battery and aninner and outer connector; and providing an upper case portion for theelectronic device case that slides onto the lower case portion, wherethe upper case portion comprises a seam edge that extends from a firstfront corner across a back of the upper case portion through to a secondfront corner.

The base back surface includes a base upper back surface and base lowerback surface. The base back surface has a first side, a second side, anda first thickness between the first and second sides. The method furtherincludes: enclosing the electronic circuitry between the base frontsurface and the base lower back surface; making a cavity in the baselower back surface, wherein the cavity extends from the second sidetoward, but not through to the first side, and a second thickness froman end of the cavity to the first side is thinner than the firstthickness; and positioning a lighting source of the electronic circuitryfacing toward the cavity, wherein when turned on, the lighting sourceemits visible light that passes through the second thickness, but notthe first thickness, to the first side.

A second camera opening is provided on the base back surface, where thesecond camera opening has a closed polygon shape and a first area of thefirst camera opening is less than a second area of the second cameraopening. The base back surface includes a sloped lens hood around thefirst camera opening, extending from the first camera opening to thesecond camera opening at least a thickness of the battery.

The method includes: providing a button in the base back surface, wherethe button is connected to the electronic circuitry and a surface of thebutton is flush with a surface of the base back surface; providingindicator lights in the base back surface, where the indicator lightsare connected to the electronic circuitry; after holding the button fora first time period, using the indicator lights to show a charge levelof the battery; and after holding the button for a second time period,longer than the first time period, entering a sync mode to establish adata path between the inner and outer connectors.

The method includes after entering the sync mode, pressing the buttoncauses exiting the sync mode. The method includes after entering thesync mode, using at least one of the indicator lights to indicate thecircuitry is in the sync mode.

In an implementation, a method includes providing a lower case portion.The lower case portion includes a front side, a back side, and a lowersidewall. The lower case has no indicator lights on a front side. Thelower case has an inner connector having a first width (e.g., 22millimeters) and an outer connector having a second width (e.g., 8millimeters). The second width is less than the first width. The firstwidth is from about 2 to about 2.75 times wider than the second width.

The lower case portion includes a number of indicator lights (e.g.,five) on a back side. A button is centered (e.g., below a middle of thefive indicator lights) on the back side. Holding the button for morethan a time period (e.g., three seconds or more) indicates to thecircuitry to enter a synchronization mode. The lower case portion has abattery and circuitry to charge the battery using power input throughthe outer connector. The battery charges a portable electronic device tobe connected to the inner connector.

A first camera opening (e.g., a circle) on a base front surface of thelower case portion has a first diameter. A second camera opening (e.g.,a circle) on a base back surface of the lower case portion has a seconddiameter greater than the first diameter. A first set of audio openingsis positioned on the lower sidewall at a first side (e.g., left) of theinner connector. A second set of audio openings is positioned on thelower sidewall at a second side (e.g., right) of the inner connector Athird set of audio openings on an exterior lower side of the lower caseportion is at a second side of the outer connector. A first line passingthrough one of the first set of audio openings is parallel to a secondline passing through one of the third set of audio openings.

The lower case portion has a first raised strip on the base frontsurface. The lower case portion has a second raised strip on the basefront surface. The raised strips are made of the same material andprovide some cushioning, compared to the base front surface.

In a specific implementation, when the phone is placed on the base frontsurface and connected to the inner connector, a top of the phone doesnot extend beyond an upper edge of the base front surface. A frontopening of the assembled case is generally rectangular with roundedcorners. The front opening has a first frame edge that extends in avertical direction from a first seam line toward a first rounded cornerat a bottom left of the lower case portion, through the first roundedcorner to a second frame edge that extends in a horizontal directiontoward a second rounded corner at a bottom right of the lower caseportion, through the second rounded corner to a third frame edge,parallel to the first frame edge to a second seam line.

The first seam line is inline with the second seam line. The first seamline is transverse to the vertical direction. The first seam line ispositioned at from about 0.15 to about 0.38 of a vertical length of thelower case portion. Further, when the upper case portion is on the lowercase portion, the first seam line is positioned at about 0.23 of alength of a vertical length of the assembled case. When a portableelectronic device is inserted in the inner connector, a lower edge of ascreen is parallel to the first seam line.

When the upper case portion is on the lower case portion, there is athird seam line for a back of the case. The third seam line ispositioned at a different ratio (e.g., 0.27 versus 0.23) of the verticallength of the assembled case.

On a left side, the upper case has a first slot opening. On a top side,the upper case has a circular opening and a second slot opening, smallerthan the first slot opening. On a back, the upper case has a cameraopening.

In an implementation, a back and side surface of the upper case portionis coated with a soft-touch coating. A front inside surface of the uppercase portion is polished to a glossy finish. A front, back, and sidesurface of the lower case portion is coated with the soft-touch coating.The base front surface of the lower case portion is polished to a glossyfinish.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent upon consideration of the following detailed descriptionand the accompanying drawings, in which like reference designationsrepresent like features throughout the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows an upper case portion for a case for a portable electronicdevice.

FIG. 1B shows a lower case portion for a case for the portableelectronic device.

FIG. 1C shows an example of a portable electronic device.

FIG. 2 shows the portable electronic device case, where the upper andlower case portions are assembled together. The portable electronicdevice is not shown in the case.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of the assembled case.

FIG. 4 shows a back view of the assembled case including a case button,indicator lights, a lens shield, and camera opening.

FIG. 5 shows a left side view of the assembled case.

FIG. 6 shows a right side view of the assembled case.

FIG. 7 shows a top side view of the upper case portion of the assembledcase.

FIG. 8 shows a bottom side view of the lower case portion of theassembled case.

FIG. 9 shows a front view of the upper case portion.

FIG. 10 shows a front view of the lower case portion.

FIG. 11 shows a back view of the upper case portion

FIG. 12 shows a back view of the lower case portion.

FIG. 13 shows a left side view of the upper case portion.

FIG. 14 shows a left side view of the lower case portion.

FIG. 15 shows a right side view of the upper case portion.

FIG. 16 shows a right side view of the lower case portion.

FIG. 17 shows a top side view of the upper case portion only.

FIG. 18 shows a bottom side view of the upper case portion only.

FIG. 19 shows a top side view of the lower case portion only.

FIG. 20 shows a cross section of the case holding a phone when placedface down on a flat surface.

FIG. 21 shows a close-up top view of the built-in lens hood and thecamera openings of the upper and lower case portions.

FIG. 22 shows a right side view of the assembled case including thecamera opening.

FIG. 23 shows a cross section of the lens hood between the cameraopenings of the upper and lower case portions.

FIG. 24 shows a diagram of the front of the assembled case with aportable electronic device in the case. There is a seam line where theupper and lower case portions meet.

FIG. 25 shows a back view of the assembled case where a region of theback surface is relatively flat.

FIG. 26 shows a functional block diagram of the portable electronicdevice case with a battery that extends the battery life of the portableelectronic device.

FIGS. 27 and 28 show tables listing operational modes of the portableelectronic device case.

FIG. 29 shows an arrangement of indicator lights and a case button belowthe indicator lights.

FIG. 30 shows the rightmost indicator light turned on.

FIG. 31 shows the leftmost indicator light turned on.

FIG. 32 shows three indicator lights turned on.

FIG. 33 shows five indicator lights turned on.

FIG. 34 shows a circuit block diagram for electronic circuitry of theportable electronic device case.

FIG. 35 shows a layout view of the components for the lower caseportion, as viewed from a back side of the lower case portion.

FIG. 36 shows a cross section of a portion of the lower case portion.

FIG. 37 shows a top view of a sound box portion of the case.

FIG. 38 shows a cross section of the sound box.

FIGS. 39-42 show steps in a process of making a flush indicator lightcovering for the case.

FIG. 43 shows a top view of the flush indicator light covering.

FIG. 44 shows a kit for a portable electronic case with a batteryincluding a tray to hold the case and a cable.

FIG. 45 shows a cross section of an implementation of a tray for thekit. This tray has multilevel compartments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1A-1C show a case that protects a portable electronic device 101(e.g., smartphone, music player, or camera) from damage and also has abuilt-in battery to extend the battery life of the portable electronicdevice. FIG. 1A shows an upper case portion 104 of the case, FIG. 1Bshows a lower portion 108 of the case, and FIG. 1C shows arepresentative portable electronic device 101. This figures show thecase and electronic device in a portrait mode orientation. However, theorientation of the case may change (e.g., landscape mode orientation orupside-down orientation) or vary depending on the point of view or theorientation of the electronic device. So, the lower case portion maybecome the upper case portion, right-side case portion, or left-sidecase portion. The upper case portion may become the lower case portion,right-side case portion, or left-side case portion. Regardless of theorientation, the case has two portions, where one case portion enclosesa built-in battery. The lower case portion may also be referred to as afirst case portion and the upper case portion may be referred to as asecond case portion.

The portable electronic device fits into the lower case portion. Theupper case portion slides over the portable electronic device and lowercase portion to secure the portable electronic device in place. FIG. 2shows an assembled case 201 with upper and lower case portions joinedtogether, but without the portable electronic device in the case.

The case protects the portable electronic device and has openings whichallow a user to access the features of the device. Further, the caseincludes a battery, enclosed within the lower case portion, tosupplement the battery of the portable electronic device, thusincreasing running time for the portable electronic device. Features andaspects of this case may be applied to cases for various portableelectronic devices and device types.

In FIG. 1C, the portable electronic device is a smartphone. For purposesof discussion, this patent describes the case as being for a smartphone.Some examples of smartphones include the Apple® iPhone, Blackberry®Storm, Blackberry® Pearl, Samsung® Blackjack, LG®, Touch phones, andLG®, Dare, and there are many others.

However, the case can be used with any type of battery-powered portableelectronic device, where this device does not necessarily providetelephony functionality. For example, in other implementations, the casemay be for a portable or handheld gaming device (e.g., Sony®PlayStation® Portable or PSP®, or Nintendo® DS™), portable or palm-sizedcomputer (e.g., OQO computer or Intel® Atom™ netbook), personal digitalassistant (PDA), pager, audio player, video player, media player (Apple®Touch), cassette player, compact disc (CD) player, digital video disc(DVD) player, camera, video recorder, digital recorder, voice recorder,music recorder, digital audio recorder, or nonvolatile memory storage(e.g., Flash or phase-change memory).

Trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Apple is atrademark of Apple Computer Incorporated. Blackberry is a trademark ofResearch in Motion Limited. Samsung is a trademark of SamsungElectronics Company Limited. LG is a trademark of LG Electronics,Incorporated. Sony is a trademark of Sony Corporation. PlayStation andPSP are trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Incorporated. Nintendois a trademark of Nintendo Company, Limited. Intel and Atom aretrademarks of Intel Corporation. OQO is a trademark of OQO Incorporated.

In FIG. 1C, the smartphone has a top side edge where there is a headsetjack 112 and a sleep/wake button 116. On a left side edge, there is aring/silent switch 120 and volume buttons 124. On a back of the device(not shown in FIG. 1C), there is a camera lens 128 (indicated usingbroken lines).

On a bottom side edge of the device, there are speaker and microphoneopenings (not shown) and an electrical connector (not shown). Via theelectrical connector, the phone can be charged or connected to anotherdevice, such as a computer or another smartphone, for synchronizing ortransferring of files.

On a front of the device, there is a screen 132, which may be a touchscreen. Below the touch screen, there is a button 136, and above thetouch screen, a telephone receiver 140 (which a user can hold to an earto hear a telephone conversation).

While the device is in the case, the user will still be able to accessthe features of the device. Specifically, for example, for accessingheadset jack 112 and sleep/wake button 116, upper case portion 104 hason its top side (upper sidewall), a headset jack opening 144 and abutton opening 148, respectively. For accessing ring/silent switch 120and volume buttons 124, the upper case portion has on its left side(left sidewall), a side opening 152. For camera lens 128, lower caseportion 108 has a camera opening 156 and upper case portion 104 also hasa corresponding camera opening (not shown in FIG. 1A). The cameraopening in the upper case portion lines up with the camera openings inthe lower case portion.

As shown in FIG. 2, when assembled together, the upper and lowerportions of the case define an opening 204 in the front, through whichthe user can view and access the touch screen, home button, andreceiver. As shown in the figure, opening 204 has a closed-polygonshape.

The closed-polygon shape can have any shape (e.g., square, trapezoid,pentagon, hexagon, octagon, star, circle, arch, or oval). In a specificimplementation, the closed-polygon shape is a rectangle with roundedcorners. This closed-polygon shape is formed by the merging of twoopen-polygon shapes. The upper case portion has a first open-polygonfront opening; this shape may generally be described as an upside downU. The lower case portion has a second open-polygon front opening; thisshape may generally be described as a U. To assemble the case together,the upper case portion is seated or fitted against the lower caseportion. Then the upside-down U of the upper case portion joins with theU of the lower case portion to form the rectangularclosed-polygon-shaped front opening shown in FIG. 2.

The lower case portion has rubber strips 160 a and 160 b on a base frontsurface 164. The strips protect and cushion the phone in the case. Whenplaced in the case, a back of the electronic device will be placedagainst base front surface 164. The base surface has a top edge 165.There is a lower sidewall 166 that is connected to the base frontsurface at an end opposite of the top edge. The lower sidewall will bepositioned against the bottom side edge of the electronic device.

On the lower sidewall is an inside or inner connector 168, which ispositioned and will connect to the electrical connector on the bottomside edge of the electronic device. To the left and right of the innerconnector are left speaker openings 172 a and right speaker openings 172b. Each of the speaker openings 172 a and 172 b may include one or moreindividual openings. A left speaker opening on the bottom side edge ofthe electronic device will be placed against left speaker openings 172a. A right speaker opening on the bottom side edge of the electronicdevice will be placed against right speaker openings 172 b. Theelectronic device's microphone and speakers transmit sound through thesespeaker (or audio) openings. More details on the speaker or audioopenings are below.

FIGS. 3-10 show various other views of the case. FIG. 3 shows a frontview of the assembled case. Where upper 104 and lower 108 case portionsmeet, there is a seam line 304. There are seam lines on either side(opposite sides) of front opening 204.

FIG. 4 shows a back view of the assembled case. For lower case portion108, there are a case button 408 and indicator lights 412 a-e (e.g.,light emitting diodes (LEDs) or other lighting sources). Asynchronization (or sync) marking 416 is around indicator light 412 e;this marking is optional. When the upper case portion is seated orfitted against the lower case portion, the upper and lower case portionsmeet at and form a seam line 419 which extends across a back of thecase.

The lower case portion includes a lens shield or lens hood 420 (see alsoFIG. 12), which extends from camera opening 156. Upper case portion 104also has a camera opening 424 for the camera lens; camera opening 424 islarger (i.e., larger diameter) than camera opening 156. More details onthe camera lens openings and lens shield are below.

FIG. 5 shows a left side view of the assembled case. Where the upper andlower case portions meet, there is a seam line that extends across theback and through the sides to the front. In a specific implementation,for the side of the case, seam line 304 is angled slightly with respectto a horizontal line. For the front of the case, a distance (SM1) isfrom the seam line to the bottom of the case. For the back of the case,a distance (SM2) is from the seam line to the bottom of the case. Theangled seam line on the side is due to distance SM2 being greater thandistance SM1.

FIG. 6 shows a right side view of the assembled case. The seam line isalso angled in this side view. FIG. 7 shows a top side view of the uppercase portion of the assembled case. The speaker openings 172 a and 172 bare visible through the openings on the top side of the upper caseportion. More details on camera opening 424 are below.

FIG. 8 shows a bottom side view of the lower case portion. The lowercase portion has an outside or outer connector 804 (e.g., a mini-B USBconnector) and a grille or outside speaker opening 808 that arepositioned on an outside bottom side. The outer connector allows a userto connect the case and device via a cable (e.g., USB cable) to a powersource or to synchronize with another electronic device. In the specificimplementation in FIG. 8, the outer connector is positioned a bottomside edge of the lower case portion (or portion which encloses orconceals the battery). However, in other implementations, the outerconnector may be positions at other locations. For example, the outerconnector can be positioned on an outside right side edge of the lowercase portion. The outer connector can be positioned on an outside leftside edge of the lower case portion. The outer connector can bepositioned on a back side (near or below the buttons and LEDs) of thelower case portion. The outer connector can be positioned on a frontside (near or below the front screen opening) of the lower case portion.In alternative implementations, the outer connector may be position onthe case portion which does not have enclose the battery (e.g., uppercase portion); then the connector is connected to the battery via wiresor other electrical connectors. The outer connector can be positioned onan outside top or upper side edge of the upper case portion. The outerconnector can be positioned on an outside right side edge of the uppercase portion. The outer connector can be positioned on an outside leftside edge of the upper case portion. The outer connector can bepositioned on a back side of the upper case portion. The outer connectorcan be positioned on a front side (near or above the front screenopening) of the upper case portion.

The outside speaker opening allows sound output (e.g., stereo soundoutput). Sound from the electronic device will travel through speakeropenings 172 a and 172 b and output through openings 808. Openings 172 aand 172 b are aligned with openings 808, so a line passing throughopenings 172 a and 172 b will be parallel with lines passing throughopenings 808. Note that openings 808 are made up of individual circularopenings that are each smaller than the opening for outer connector 804.In other implementations, however, there can be any number of openings,larger or smaller than the openings shown, and each opening may have adifferent shape. More details on the outer connector and outside speakeropening are below.

FIG. 9 shows a front view of the upper case portion. The upper caseportion includes a left sidewall 904, a right sidewall 908 (opposite theleft side wall), an upper sidewall 912, and an upper interior surface916 which connects to the left, right, and upper sidewalls. Generally,the upper interior surface is approximately perpendicular to thesidewalls. Sidewalls 904, 908, and 912 generally form a three-sidedrectangular frame with rounded corners (e.g., upside down U). The uppercase portion also has an open side end 919 (which would be the fourthside of the rectangular frame) that is opposite of upper sidewall 912.

FIG. 10 shows a top view of the lower case portion. The lower caseportion includes front base surface 164 with strips 160 a and 160 b thatrun in a vertical direction (when viewing the case in a portraitorientation) on its surface. The electronic device (e.g., phone) will beplaced on front base surface 164 and inserted (e.g., by sliding) intoinner connector 168, which holds the phone to the lower case portion.There are a left insert 1004 a and a right insert 1004 b which curveupward at a lower portion of the base. These inserts extend from a lowersidewall 1006, which is generally shaped like a three-sided rectangularframe with rounded corners (e.g., U).

After the electronic device is placed on the front base surface, toassemble the case, a person takes the upper case portion and slides it(through open side end 919 of the upper case portion) over theelectronic device onto the lower case portion. The upper case portionslides onto the lower case portion through the open side end in adirection 1013 (i.e., vertical direction) along the base surface fromthe top edge to the lower sidewall.

In an implementation, the material of the case is a rigid hard plastic.Both upper and lower case portions are made of the same material. Theupper case portion is formed of a shape to fit over the phone and lowercase portions without need to stretch the upper case portion over thelower case portion. The case portions made of a relatively rigidmaterial cannot be stretched as much as, for example, gel, silicone, orrubber, without cracking or breaking. More details on the material ofthe case are below.

The base front surface generally has a contour that matches or conformsto the back of the phone or other device which will lie on the basefront surface. For example, if the phone has a convex curved back, thenthe base front surface will have a concave curved surface. The basefront surface gives good support for the electronic device. A length ofthe base front surface is such that when an electronic device is placedon the base surface, the top edge base front surface is roughly aligned(e.g., same length, slightly longer, or slightly shorter) with a topside edge of the electronic device.

Strips 160 a and 160 b extend in the vertical direction along base frontsurface 164 of the lower case portion. Strips 160 a and 160 b aretypically a different material than the base front surface material andrise slightly above the base front surface. These strips can be made ofa material that has cushioning properties such as rubber, vinyl,polymer, plastic, foam (e.g., material with bubbles), or silicone.Depending on the material used, the strips may also be slightly tacky.These strips help cushion the electronic device and prevent it frombecoming scratched or marred, especially when inserting the device intothe lower case portion. The strips also help to gently grip theelectronic device so that it does not inadvertently slide or become aseasily dislodged from the lower case portion.

The figures show a specific arrangement and number of strips, but inother implementations, there can be any number of strips in anyarrangement. For example, there can be three, four, or more stripsrunning in the lengthwise direction. Or the strips can run diagonally orhorizontally on the base front surface. Further, in an implementation,the strips can be omitted entirely.

Like a sleeve, the upper case portion slides over and onto the left andright inserts (1004 a and 1004 b) of the lower case portion until beingstopped by a raised lip 1008 of the lower case portion. This raised lipextends from the left insert along the back (see also FIG. 12) to theright insert of the lower case portion. Where the upper and lower caseportions meet, the exterior surfaces become flush with each other.

When the upper case portion is seated against the lower case portion, ona back side of the case, the upper case portion overlaps at least oneportion of the lower case portion to hold the upper case to the lowercase portion. The upper case portion overlaps inserts 1004 a and 1004 band a back base surface 1204 (FIG. 12) of the lower case portion.

The upper case portion generally holds onto the left and right insertsof the lower case portion through friction. Further, a distance from anouter surface of the left insert to an outer surface of the right insertcan be typically slightly greater than an inner width of the upper caseportion (i.e., into which the inserts will fit). This allows the uppercase portion to hold onto the left and right inserts by compression.

Once joined, sidewalls 904, 908, 912, and 1006 for the upper and lowercase portions form front opening 204, which is generally a rectangularframe with rounded corners. The upper case portion's camera opening 424aligns with the lower case portion's camera openings 156 and 1208. Thecamera lens of the phone will have an unobstructed view through thecamera openings of the lower and upper case portions.

FIG. 11 shows a back view of the upper case portion. There is an upperexterior surface 1104, which is the opposite side of upper interiorsurface 916. FIG. 12 shows a back view of the lower case portion. Lensshield 420 extends from camera opening 156 at base front surface 164 toopening 1208 at a base back surface 1204. Camera opening 156 is smaller(i.e., smaller diameter) than camera opening 1208. Note that if the basesurface is sufficiently shorter than the electronic device, cameraopening 156, lens shield 420, and camera opening 1208 may be omitted orpartially omitted from the lower case portion.

In a specific implementation, the base back surface is a single piece(e.g., plastic) that has a base upper back surface 1209 and a base lowerback surface 1212. The base upper back surface and base lower backsurface can be different sections of the base back surface. In anotherimplementation, base upper back surface 1209 and base lower back surface1212 are individual pieces (e.g., two plastic pieces) that make up thebase back surface (e.g., see FIG. 38).

FIG. 13 shows a left side view of the upper case portion. FIG. 14 showsa left side view of the lower case portion. FIG. 15 shows a right sideview of the upper case portion. FIG. 16 shows a right side view of thelower case portion.

FIG. 17 shows a top side view of the upper case portion (case notassembled), including headset jack opening 144, button opening 148, andcamera opening 424. FIG. 18 shows a bottom side view of the upper caseportion. FIG. 19 shows a top side view of the lower case portion,showing inner connector 168, left speaker opening 172 a, right speakeropening 172 b, and camera opening 1208.

The case shown has specific openings sized, shaped, and positioned atparticular locations. These openings are customized for smartphone 101as described above and shown in FIG. 1C. It should be appreciated thatthere may be any number of openings in the upper and lower portions ofthe case to allow features of a portable electronic device to beaccessible to a user. The openings may have any size, any shape, anycombination of sizes, or any combination of shapes. There can be more,fewer, or different openings from those shown for the case in thefigures. The openings can be positioned at different locations than thatshown.

FIG. 20 shows a cross section of a case with a phone, when placed facedown on a table 2004 or other flat or relatively flat surface. Forexample, the case with phone may be placed on a countertop, vanity, hottub edge, window sill, chair, sofa, or floor. The front of the case hasfront opening 204 (see FIG. 2) and along a border of this opening areframe edges 2009. These frame edges hold the phone in the case and alsoraise the phone slightly off the surface of the table.

This feature helps protect the front face of the phone from damage(e.g., scratching) since the front face does not touch the surface whenin the face-down position. Thus, for example, the user can rub theface-down case and phone on the surface (as if sanding the surface usinga sanding block), and the phone's front face and screen will not bedamaged.

In a specific embodiment, the frame edges of the case form a plane. Thisplane is generally, depending on a flatness of the table surface,approximately planar with a plane of the table surface. The frame edgesraise the phone's screen from about 0.25 millimeters to about 2.5millimeters above the plane of the frame edges. For example, a distancefrom the phone's screen to the table's surface can be 0.5, 0.8, 1, 1.2,or 1.5 millimeters. In a specific implementation, the phone's screen iscoplanar to the table and a distance from the table to the screen isapproximately 1 millimeter. This distance will vary depending on theflatness of the surfaces.

Also, generally, front opening 204 is smaller than the phone's frontface. In other words, for example, a length of the front opening is lessthan a length of the phone's front face. A width of the front opening isless than a width of the phone's front face. In a specificimplementation, the front opening is generally rectangular and has alength of about 109.5 millimeters and a width of about 55 millimeters.The corners of the front opening can also be rounded (or square in otherimplementations).

FIG. 21 shows a close-up top view of built-in lens hood 420 and thecamera openings of the upper and lower case portions. FIG. 22 shows aside view of a camera opening 2230 for the assembled case. FIG. 23 showsa cross section of the lens hood between the camera openings of theupper and lower case portions.

Within box 2305 is the lower case portion which includes base frontsurface 164 and base back surface 1204. Base front surface 164 (see alsoFIG. 1) has camera opening 156. Base back surface 1204 has cameraopening 1208. Also, the base front surface and base back surface form anenclosure 2309 between them, within which a battery 2317 for the case ishoused. More details on the battery are below.

Base back surface 1204 has lens hood 420 which extends from cameraopening 1208 toward base front surface 164. Base front surface 164 joinswith base back surface 1204, and camera opening 156 aligns with lenshood 420. When the case is assembled together, camera opening 424 ofupper case portion 104 aligns with the camera openings in the lower caseportion.

In a specific implementation, the lens hood has about a 31 degree fieldof view. In other implementations, however, the field of view can be anydesired number of degrees, less than or greater than 31 degrees. Theangle of view provided by the case will depend on the field of view ofthe camera of the phone and will generally be at least as wide as thecamera's field of view, so that the lens hood will not appear in thephotos taken by the camera. In an implementation, the camera has a fieldof view of about 30-32 degrees, and the corresponding camera opening inthe case is at least about 30-32 degrees or wider. For example, theangle of view of the camera opening can range from about 25-60 degrees.

In a specific implementation, the lens hood for the lower case portionhas a length of about 3.7 millimeters from opening 156 to opening 1208.However, the length of the lens hood can be any desired length and varyon a number of factors such as a thickness of the battery. For example,in other implementations, the hood length can vary from about 2.8millimeters to about 5 millimeters. The length can be less than 2.8millimeters (e.g., for a thin battery) or greater than 4.5 millimeters(e.g., for a jumbo battery). Generally, the thicker battery 2317 is, thelonger the lens hood. A thicker battery (for the same two-dimensionalarea) also usually means greater battery capacity.

The case has the camera openings to allow a user to take pictures withthe phone's camera without removing the phone from the case. When thephone is placed in the case, the phone's camera lens aligns behind thelower case portion's camera openings 156 and 1208, and the upper caseportion's camera opening 424 so that the camera lens' view isunobstructed. A picture taken with the phone in the case will notcapture the sides or edges of the camera openings.

The built-in lens hood of the case is a feature that improves thepicture taking of the camera. Without a lens hood, sun or other lightcan more easily strike the camera lens and cause unwanted flaring,glare, uneven lighting, and shadows in the photos. The lens hood of thiscase helps prevent such undesired effects.

The lens hood also protects the lens of the camera. The lens hoodprotrudes from the camera lens a certain distance, preventinginadvertent touches and scratches to the lens. Without a lens hood, thecamera lens is more vulnerable to accidental contact (e.g., bumpingagainst a surface), potentially resulting in damage to the camera lens.The lens hood also helps to shelter the camera lens from dust, rain, andother elements. Without a lens hood, for example, rain drops can moreeasily hit the camera lens. The lens hood of this case helps preventsuch damage.

The area of camera opening 1208 is greater than the area of cameraopening 156. A lens hood surface between the two camera openings isconical or frustoconical. The greater the size of camera opening 1208 isas compared to camera opening 156 helps to increase the peripheral fieldthat can be captured by the camera and helps to ensure that the cameradoes not capture the sides or edges of camera opening 1208 when takingpictures. The area of camera opening 424 is greater than the area ofcamera opening 1208.

It is desirable to have the diameter of the upper case portion cameraopening larger than the camera openings of the lower case portions.Similarly, it is desirable to have the camera opening in the back of thelower case portion larger than the camera opening in the front of thelower case portion.

In a specific embodiment, camera openings 156, 424, and 1208 arecircular. However in other implementations, the camera openings can beany shape or closed polygon (e.g., not a semicircle or arc), such as atriangle, square, rectangle, trapezoid, or other. Generally, openings156, 424, and 1208 will have a similar shape and openings closer to thecamera lens will be smaller than those further away. Generally, across-sectional area of a closed-polygon opening 156 will be less than across-sectional area of a closed-polygon opening 1208, which will beless than a cross-sectional area of a closed-polygon opening 424.

For a circular camera opening, in a specific embodiment, the insidediameter of camera opening 156 is approximately 6 millimeters, thediameter of camera opening 1208 is approximately 11-12 millimeters, andthe diameter of camera opening 424 is approximately 12.2 millimeters. Inother implementations, the diameters of the openings can have anydesired size or shape. For example, opening 156 can range from about 2millimeters to about 12 millimeters. Opening 1208 can range from about 4millimeters to about 24 millimeters. Opening 424 can range from about 5millimeters to about 25 millimeters. A ratio of opening 1208 to opening156 is from about 1.7:1 to about 2.25:1. Generally, the openings arelarger than the camera lens and sufficiently large so that the case doesnot appear in photographs.

FIG. 24 shows the front of a case with an electronic device in the case.As described above, the upper case portion slides over the lower caseportion. Where the upper and lower case portions meet, there are seamlines 2404 a and 2404 b in the front of the case (see also FIG. 3). Theseam line (from 2404 a to 2404 b) runs around the entire case (e.g.,across the back of the case). FIG. 4 shows the seam line for the back,and FIGS. 5 and 6 show the seam lines for the sides. At the seam, thesurfaces of the lower and upper case portions are relatively flush witheach other. The seam line remains visible and can be felt tactilely.

The seam line for the case is positioned to ensure the upper and lowercase portions are securely attached to each other. In a specificimplementation, seam lines 2404 a and 2404 b are positioned so that theyalign with a bottom edge of screen 132 of the phone. As shown in FIG.24, with the phone in the case, the bottom edge of touch screen 132 isin-line with lines 2404 a and 2404 b. In other implementations, the seamlines can be at other positions. For example, the seam line can bealigned with an upper edge of screen 132, or anywhere between the upperand lower edges of the screen.

The upper case portion securely engages (e.g., by overlapping) to thephone and lower case portion, so the upper case portion will notinadvertently slide off or otherwise detach. Also, in an implementation,when the user grips the phone in a portrait orientation, part of thehand (e.g., thumb and forefinger) is holding onto the upper caseportion, while the palm of the hand is pushing against the lower caseportion (urging the lower case portion toward the upper case portion).

Further, aligning seam lines 2404 a and 2404 b with the bottom edge ofthe touch screen provides for a symmetrical arrangement and appearanceof the visual elements of the phone and case. This enhances thesmartphone experience for the user, allowing the user to easily locatethe display both visually and tactilely (because the user can feel forthe seam).

In an implementation, for the front of the case (see FIG. 3), the seamline is at about 30 millimeters from a bottom edge of the case. A caselength is about 130 millimeters. This seam line divides the case atabout 0.23 of the whole. In other implementations, the seam line can beat other positions (e.g., ranging from about 15 millimeters to about 50millimeters) and have other ratios (e.g., ranging from 0.10 to 0.50 ofthe whole).

In an implementation, for the back of the case (see FIG. 4), the seamline is at about 35 millimeters from a bottom edge of the case. A caselength is about 130 millimeters. This seam line divides the case atabout 0.27 of the whole. In other implementations, the seam line can beat other positions (e.g., ranging from about 15 millimeters to about 50millimeters) and have other ratios (e.g., ranging from 0.10 to 0.50 ofthe whole).

In a specific implementation, seam lines 2404 a and 2404 b in the frontof the case are about X of a length of the joined case, and a seam linefor the back of the case is about Y of a length of the joined case. Xand Y are numbers and Y is greater than X.

The seam line for the front and back differ because the seam line isangled on the sides of the case (see FIGS. 5 and 6). In otherimplementations, the seam line can be angled even more on the sides sothat a difference between the ratios in the front and back is greater.The seam line can be angled less on the sides so that a differencebetween the ratios in the front and back is less or 0, or the ratio islarger in front and less in back.

Further, a distance 2416 between a bottom edge of front opening 204 andthe seam line is about 16 millimeters. A length of front opening 204 isabout 109.5 millimeters. Therefore, the seam line divides the frontopening at about 0.146 of the whole. In other implementations, distance2416 can vary, depending on for example the screen size, in a range fromabout 8 millimeters to about 32 millimeters. The seam line will dividethe opening in a range, for example, from about 0.10 to about 0.50 ofthe whole.

FIG. 25 shows a back view of the assembled case where a region of theback surface, indicated by box 2504, is relatively flat. The flatportion of the back surface ensures the electronic device and case willbe stable (e.g., not rock back and forth) when the case is placed on itsback on a table. See also FIGS. 5-8 which show various views of thecase's flat back surface. Even if the electronic device does not have aflat back, the flat portion of the case ensures the electronic devicewill be stable when placed on a table.

As shown in the figure, both the upper and lower case portions havesections which are flat. Where the upper and lower case portions meet, aseam line 2508 divides the upper and lower case portions. As shown, theflat case section of the lower case portion is smaller in terms of areathan the flat section of the upper case portion. The seam where theupper and lower case portions meet is flush, so the seam does not causethe case to be unstable.

The flat back surface ensures stability when the case is placed on itsback, regardless of how the back of the phone is shaped. This featurecreates a steady and stable surface and ensures that the electronicdevice will not slide or wobble as a result of being placed, forinstance, on a table. For example, an electronic device may be curved inall directions (e.g., no flat surfaces at all) or have a design wherethe back will not be stable when placed on a table. The design may havenotches, indentations, or other structures (possibly ornamental) thatcause the phone to not lie stably on its back. Despite this, when thephone is in the case, because of the flat back, the case will restsecurely on its back.

As shown in FIG. 25, rectangular flat surface 2504 is centered in backof the assembled case. That is, the distance surrounding the flat backsurface is equal at opposite sides. In other implementations, however,the flat back surface may be located anywhere on the back of the caseportions. Further, the flat back surface may be of any size, any shape,any combination of sizes, or any combination of shapes. For example, theflat back surface may have a circular or oval shape. The flat region maybe rectangular with rounded corners.

The flat back surface is typically sufficiently sized to make the casestable when placed on its back. In an implementation, the size of theflat back surface can vary and the proportion of the area (2504) that isflat to the area that is not flat (case back outside box 2504) can vary.In another implementation, the flat back surface area is larger than theelectronic device the case is holding. The flat back surface area can belarger than a flat back surface area provided by the electronic deviceitself.

In a specific implementation, dimensions for flat surface section 2504are about 100 millimeters by about 40 millimeters. Dimensions for thecase are about 130 millimeters by about 66.2 millimeters. The area ratiobetween the flat surface section 2504 and the total case dimensions isabout 0.465 (i.e., 4000 square millimeters/8606 square millimeters).However, in other implementations, the ratio can be in the range fromabout 0.333 to about 0.6.

For the centered square section, a distance between a bottom edge of thelower case portion and a bottom edge of the flat back surface is about13 millimeters. Likewise, a distance between a top edge of the uppercase portion and a top edge of the flat back surface is about 13millimeters. Further, a distance between a left edge of the assembledcase and a left edge of the flat back surface is about 15 millimeters.Likewise, a distance between a right edge of the assembled case and aright edge of the flat back surface is about 15 millimeters.

FIG. 26 shows a functional block diagram of a case for holding aportable electronic device 2601 having a battery 2604. As discussedabove, the case has an upper case portion 2608 and a lower case portion2612. The electronic device is inserted into the lower case portion andis connected to inner connector 168, and the upper case portion slidesover the electronic device and a portion of the lower case portion.

The lower case portion includes a circuitry 2616 which is connected toinner connector 168, a case battery 2317, a battery status indicator2620, a synchronization indicator 2624, a user input element 2628, anouter connector 2632, and audio-video (AV) openings 2636. A cable 2640having connectors 2644 and 2648 may be used to connect the case to acomputer 2652, a power source 2656, or both.

As a specific example, this application discusses the portableelectronic device as being a smartphone. However, as already discussedabove, it should be understood that this is merely for discussion, andthat the portable electronic device can be any device type and may be adevice other than a telephony device.

In addition to making and receiving telephone calls, many modernsmartphones and other portable electronic devices include a multitude ofother features. These features include data storage, music playing,picture taking, video recording, and games. Further, these devicesinclude vivid color displays, cameras, speakers, speakerphone,nonvolatile storage, touchscreens, and others. Such features use power.And the more such features are used, the shorter the battery life.

Many users depend on their smartphones to coordinate their schedules,check and read e-mail, send e-mail, browse Web pages, talk to theirloved ones and family (e.g., calling mom on Mother's Day), talk tobusiness associates, record video, upload a video onto a socialnetworking Web site, map their locations, navigate using GPS and voiceguidance of the phone, edit documents, and much more. Therefore, it isimportant that a smartphone has sufficient power capacity to lastthrough the day until the smartphone can be recharged.

While smartphone capabilities have increased dramatically in recentyears, batteries have not kept pace. Furthermore, since smartphones areused for so many different things, it can be catastrophic if thesmartphone runs out of power. Compounding the problem is that many oftoday's smartphones have integrated or proprietary batteries that cannotbe easily replaced. Moreover, even if the batteries are designed to bereplaced by the user, it is cumbersome to carry around extra batteries.

The case, with its built-in battery (i.e., battery 2317), alleviatesthis problem by providing additional power to the phone. Variousimplementations of the case double, triple, or quadruple the batterylife of the phone or the amount of time that the user can use the phone.

The case has numerous modes of operation. FIGS. 27 and 28 show tableslisting the various modes. For the case to provide extended batterylife, the user charges the case battery. To do so, the user connects apower source via a cable (e.g., USB cable) to the case's outer connector(e.g., mini-B USB connector). Upon connecting the cable, the case willbe in a power-up mode (described in FIG. 27) during which at least oneof the indicator lights (e.g., LEDs) of the case lights momentarily. Toenter this mode, the phone does not need to be in the case; but if thephone is in the case, the user will be able to use the phone normally.This may be referred to as a normal operating mode for the phone.

When entering the power-up mode, the indicator lights turn on in orderto indicate to the user that the case has been powered up. Power-up maybe indicated to the user using any visual (or audible) indication. In aspecific implementation, for example, one of the LEDs turns on for ashort time and then turns off. In another implementation, each of theLEDs may turn on and off in sequence. In another implementation, atleast one LED turns on and stays on while the case is connected to acharging source. In this implementation, the number of lights turned onis proportional to the battery life and the number of lights increasesas the battery life increases.

FIG. 29 shows a specific arrangement of indicator lights 2904 a-e (e.g.,LEDs, laser diodes, light bulbs, neon bulbs, or other lighting) for thecase, where a case button 2908 is centered below the indicator lights.In this specific arrangement, a line extending between indicator light2904 a and 2904 b does not pass through case button 2908. In a specificimplementation, the indicator lights are positioned horizontally on theback of the lower case portion and a line segment extends from indicatorlights 2904 a-e. The case button is positioned transverse to the linesegment and equidistance to ends of the line segment.

The indicator lights and case button have a circular shape. In animplementation, the indicator light cover and case button are flush withthe case surface. Generally, the case button is located near theindictor lights. However, in other implementations, the case button canhave any shape (e.g., square, rectangle, triangle, and oval) and may belocated anywhere on the case. There can be any number of case buttons(e.g., one, two, three, or four or more).

Further, although the indicator lights are positioned horizontally onthe back of the lower case portion (see FIGS. 4 and 12), in otherimplementations the indicator lights can be in a different location orbe arranged differently (e.g., off-center or vertically arranged). Also,there may be any number of lights (e.g., 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or morethan 8) and the openings for the indicator lights may have any shape(e.g., circle, square, rectangle, or triangle).

In a specific implementation of the power-up mode, as shown in FIG. 30,the right-most indicator light (2904 e) turns on momentarily and thenturns off (e.g., flashes or blinks) to indicate that the case isconnected to a power source.

The power source may be a power socket, power receptacle, or poweroutlet in the user's home or office. As another example, the cable maybe connected to a cigarette lighter socket in the user's car or boat.This allows, for example, the user to charge the case battery whiledriving. The cable can be connected to a computer's USB port or anyother power source.

From the power-up mode, the case can enter the charge case battery mode.FIG. 27 describes the charge case battery mode. Power from the cableconnected to the case outer connector will charge the case battery.Circuitry (described below) in the case will control charging of thebattery until it is fully charged.

While in the charge case battery mode, the user can press the casebutton and determine the battery life remaining in the case battery byreading the fuel gauge. Upon pressing the case button, the case will bein a fuel gauge mode as described in FIG. 27. If the case battery ischarged, an appropriate number of indicator lights will light toindicate a charge level of the case battery. To enter this mode, thephone does not need to be in the case; but if the phone is in the case,the phone will be in normal operating mode.

While in fuel gauge mode, the case battery life may be indicated to theuser using any visual (or audible) indication. In a specificimplementation, the indicator lights turn on from left to right and eachindicator light that turns on indicates an additional level of chargefor the case battery. In this specific implementation, the number ofLEDs lighting up is proportional to the case battery life. In anotherspecific implementation, the indicator lights turn on from right to leftand each indicator light that turns on indicates an additional level ofcharge for the case battery.

In a specific implementation, the lighting indicators emit a blue orbluish light (e.g., blue LED). However, in other implementations, thelighting indicators can emit any color or wavelength of light asdesired. For example, the color can be red, green, yellow, white, orpurple, or any combination of these. Also, two different indicatorlights of the same case can emit two different colors. The color of thelight may be a result of the LED color itself or a cover over the LEDlight (e.g., white LED light is covered by a bluish lighting cover).

FIG. 29 shows a specific implementation where no indicator lights turnon, indicating the case battery is discharged or has a very low level ofcharge. FIG. 31 shows the leftmost indicator light (2904 a) turning on,indicating that the case has a minimal charge. More indicator lightsturn on in FIG. 31 than in FIG. 29, indicating that the case battery inFIG. 31 has a higher level of charge than the case battery in FIG. 29.

FIG. 32 shows three indicator lights (2904 a-c) turning on to indicatean approximately half-charged battery. A greater number of lights turnon in FIG. 32 than in FIGS. 29 and 31, indicating that the case batteryin FIG. 32 has a higher level of charge than the case battery in FIGS.29 and 31. FIG. 33 shows a specific implementation of five indicatorlights (2904 a-e) turning on to indicate a fully charged battery. Agreater number of indicator lights turn on in FIG. 33 than in FIG. 32,indicating that the case battery in FIG. 33 has a higher level of charge(e.g., more juice) than the case battery in FIG. 32.

While charging the case battery in the charge case battery mode, thephone does not need to be in the case. If the phone is in the case, thecase will also be in the charge phone battery mode listed in FIG. 27.When the phone battery becomes discharged, the case battery will, viainner connector 168, charge and top off the phone's battery as needed.The case will continue to charge the phone battery as needed until thecase battery becomes completely discharged.

If the outer connector is not connected to power, the case can be in thecharge phone battery mode as long as there is charge in the casebattery, but the case will no longer be in the charge case battery mode.

When the user connects a power source via a cable (e.g., USB cable) tothe case's outer connector, the case will be placed in charge phonebattery mode. The case will continue to charge and top off the phonebattery as needed. Also see discussion regarding sleep mode below.

The phone may indicate to the user that the phone is charging. In aspecific implementation, the phone's screen displays an icon (e.g.,lightning bolt) to indicate that the phone is charging. When the phonebecomes fully charged, the phone's screen informs the user (e.g., iconchanges from a lightning bolt to a plug symbol).

As discussed, the case also has a battery gauge such as shown in FIG.29. While in the charge phone battery mode, the user can press the casebutton and determine the case battery life remaining by reading the fuelgauge. Upon pressing the case button, the case will simultaneously be inthe fuel gauge mode. The fuel gauge mode is described in FIG. 27 andabove.

If the case is not connected to a power source and the case battery isat a charge level below a certain threshold (i.e., a sleep mode level ofcharge), the case will enter a sleep mode. For example, when the casebattery is completely discharged, the case will be in sleep mode.

The sleep mode is described in FIG. 27. While in the sleep mode, thecase becomes inactive (e.g., the case button and case indicator lightsare not functional) and the user will be unable to get a batteryreading. The sleep mode will not affect the phone. The phone will be innormal operating mode as long as the phone has sufficient charge. Thecase will not draw any power from the phone.

In an implementation of the sleep mode, the user connects power to theouter connector of the case in order to charge the case battery. Thecase battery will be charged for some amount of time before charging ofthe phone battery begins. For example, this amount of time may be aboutfive minutes, but the exact amount of time (e.g., two, three, six, ormore minutes) will depend on a number of factors including the chargingcurrent and the level of charge remaining in the battery. The amount oftime will vary depending on how long it will take for the case batteryto be charged to a level above the sleep mode level of charge.

When the case battery has been charged above the sleep mode level ofcharge, the case exits sleep mode and enters power-up mode. The casebattery will be used to charge the phone battery, as needed. The casebutton and case indicator lights will work. When the user presses thecase button, the user will get a battery reading from the fuel gauge.

Note that if the phone battery is completely discharged, similar to thesituation with the sleep mode discussed in this implementation, thephone battery may need to be charged to some level before becomingactive and operate normally. For example, this amount of time may beabout five minutes, but will vary depending on the charging current andlevel of charge of the phone battery.

In another implementation of the sleep mode, when the user connects apower source via a cable (e.g., USB cable) to the case's outerconnector, the case will immediately charge the phone battery and thecase battery. Both the phone and case batteries will be charged inparallel. The power from the USB cable is used to charge the phonebattery even if the case battery does not have a minimum level ofcharge.

In an implementation, the case has an extended sleep mode, which is notthe same as the sleep mode described above. The extended sleep mode isdescribed in FIG. 28. The case enters the extended sleep mode when nophone is connected to the case and power is not connected to the outsideconnector of the case. When in the extended sleep mode, circuitry of thecase will use less power so the case will retain its battery power forrelatively longer periods of time. For example, for the extended sleepmode, some inactive circuits or portions of the circuit will be turnedoff so they do not draw power.

The extended sleep mode extends the case battery life. In a specificimplementation, the case will retain charge seven weeks or more (whenstarting with a fully charged case battery). However, in variousimplementations, the battery life during extended sleep mode can varyand may be one week, ten days, two weeks, three weeks, six weeks, lessthan one week, or more than seven weeks.

When the case is in the extended sleep mode, the user can exit theextended sleep mode by any one of three ways. An implementation of acase of the invention can have any one of or a combination of thefollowing three ways to exit the extended sleep mode.

1. Connecting a phone to the case. Then, the case will return to thecharge phone battery mode.

2. Pressing the case button. Then the case will go to the fuel gaugemode, and the case will display the status of the case battery. After aperiod of time after the button press, the case can reenter the extendedsleep mode.

3. Connecting the case via the cable to a power source. Then the casewill go to the charge case battery mode.

To charge the phone battery, the user will insert the phone into thecase. When the phone is initially inserted into the case and the casebattery and phone battery are charged, the case enters initial phoneconnect mode (described in FIG. 28) during which the circuitry in thecase authenticates with the phone.

In a specific embodiment, the case circuitry includes an authenticationchip which allows the case to communicate with the phone. If the casedoes not have this authentication chip, the case is not authenticated.

In another specific embodiment, the case circuitry implements ahandshaking protocol by sending a self-identification signal to thephone. If the phone recognizes the signal, the phone can accept thesignal and authenticate the case. If the phone does not recognize thesignal, the case is not authenticated.

In another embodiment, the authentication process uses certificates,which get exchanged with the electronic device and opens upcommunication channels once these certificates have been exchanged andauthenticated.

Upon putting the phone in the case, if the case authenticates with thephone, the phone will display its normal screen and no warning messagesregarding the case will appear on the phone screen.

In a specific implementation, if the phone does not authenticate thecase, it cannot be presented as a valid accessory and the phone screendisplays a warning message. This warning message may be referred to as a“nag message,” informing the user that the case is not a valid accessoryor has not been approved by the manufacturer of the phone. In a specificimplementation, the warning message is “This accessory is not designedfor this phone. This accessory might cause interference, do you wish toenable airplane mode?” and will appear on the phone's screen.

In some embodiments, regardless of the authentication results, after thewarning message is displayed, the phone will enter a normal operatingmode and the user can continue using the phone normally. The casebattery will provide extended battery life for the phone.

While the phone is in the case (e.g., in the charge phone battery mode),the user can synchronize the phone with a second electronic device. Todo so, the user pushes and holds the case button for about threeseconds. The case will enter a synchronization or sync mode described inFIG. 28. The period of time for which the user holds the case button forto enter the sync mode can be set to any value, such as in a range fromtwo to fifteen seconds; the longer the time period, the less likely theuser can accidentally enter the sync mode.

In a specific implementation, the second electronic device is acomputer. While in the sync mode, the case is ready for the phone tosynchronize with the computer. If the case is connected to a computervia the cable (e.g., USB cable), the user can synchronize data betweenthe phone and the computer, send data from the phone to the computer,send data from the computer to the phone, or any combination of these.Synchronization includes synchronizing calendar information, contactinformation (e.g., names, addresses, phone numbers), music files, videofiles, and e-mail between the phone and the computer.

While the case is in the sync mode, the phone is also in a sync modewhen the phone is ready to transfer or receive data from the computer.In a specific embodiment, the user can determine the status of the phoneby looking at its screen. In a specific implementation, to indicate thephone is in the sync mode, the phone's screen may display a sync statussymbol or a not charging symbol, or both.

In another implementation, the second electronic device may be anelectronic device (e.g., mobile phone, PDA, smartphone, pager, audioplayer, media player, portable media player, game console, server),software (e.g., iTunes or Windows Media Player), or a service (e.g.,iTunes Store, Urge, or Rhapsody).

The case does not need to be connected to a computer to enter the syncmode. If the user connects the case via the cable to a computer withinabout 30 seconds, then the user will be able to synchronize the phonewith the computer. If the user does not connect the cable to a computerwithin 30 seconds, however, the case will automatically exit the syncmode (e.g., returning to the charge phone battery mode). An automatictime out of 30 seconds for the synchronization mode is provided as anexample, and the time out value can vary from about 3 seconds to about 3minutes. For example, the time out value can be 15, 40, 50, 60, 180, or360 seconds.

In a specific implementation, upon entering the sync mode, the caseexits other modes. For example, if the case is in the charge casebattery mode, the case will exit this mode upon entering the sync modeand the case battery will stop charging. Similarly, if the case is inthe charge phone battery mode, the case will exit this mode uponentering the sync mode and the case will stop charging the phonebattery.

The sync mode may be indicated to the user using any visual (or audible)indication. A synchronization indicator indicates to the user that thephone is ready to be synchronized with the computer. The synchronizationindicator may also indicate when the phone is not ready to besynchronized, whether or not the synchronization is complete, whether ornot there was an error in synchronization, and so forth.

Synchronization can be indicated via the indicator lights. For example,a lighting of an LED will indicate to the user that the case is in thesync mode. In a specific embodiment, for example, one of the LEDs blinkscontinuously. In other embodiments, a different number of LEDs blinkcontinuously or a number of LEDs blink twice and turn off. In a specificembodiment of the sync mode, as shown in FIG. 30, LED 2904 e will blinkcontinuously to indicate to the user that the phone is ready tosynchronize with another device.

The case may be unable to enter the sync mode under certaincircumstances. For example, when the case is in the sleep mode, the casebutton and indicator lights do not work. The phone cannot synchronizewith another electronic device because the case requires a minimalamount of power for its electronic board to support the synchingmechanism. So, if the user pushes and holds the case button for threeseconds, this will have no effect on the case and the case will notenter the sync mode.

When the case is in the sync mode, the user can exit the sync mode(described in FIG. 28) by any one of three ways. An implementation of acase of the invention can have any one of or a combination of thefollowing three ways to exit the sync mode.

1. Not connecting the case via the cable to the computer within thirtyseconds (or other time out value). After thirty seconds elapses, thecase will return to the charge phone battery mode.

2. Disconnecting the cable from the case or the computer. Since the caseis no longer connected to the computer, the phone can no longersynchronize with the computer. The case will return to the charge phonebattery mode.

3. Pressing the case button. Then the case will go to the fuel gaugemode, and the case will display the status of the case battery. Then,the case will return to the charge phone battery mode.

In a specific implementation, for example, the user can only exit thesync mode using the first two options and not the third option. So, oncethe case is in the sync mode, the user cannot exit the sync mode bypressing the case button. This prevents the user from inadvertentlyexiting the sync mode by intentionally or unintentionally pressing thecase button.

When the case exits the sync mode, the indicator lights will turn off(or turn on) to indicate that the case is no longer in the sync mode.For example, when indicator light 2904 e blinks continuously to indicatethe sync mode, this indicator light turns off to indicate the case is nolonger in the sync mode.

When the case exits the sync mode, the phone will also exit the syncmode and no longer transfer data to and from the computer. Upon exitingthe sync mode, the phone will enter the normal operating mode and theuser can use the phone normally (e.g., make a phone call to ClaudiaSchiffer, send a text message to Beyonce, play a Nena song, playcomputer baseball with Tim Lincecum, or call Jenny at 867-5309).

Referring back to FIG. 26, the case battery is typically a rechargeabletype. In a specific embodiment, the case battery is a rechargeablelithium-ion polymer battery. This battery can be charged, used, andrecharged many times (e.g., about 500 times). Other rechargeable batterytypes may be used. For example, some other rechargeable type batteriesinclude nickel cadmium (NiCd), nickel metal hydride (NiMH), lithium ion,lithium polymer, lead acid, and other rechargeable battery chemistries.

In an implementation, the case battery is integrated with the case andthe battery is not replaceable by the user. One benefit of this designis that it allows for a smaller and more compact case as compared to acase with a replaceable battery because there is no additional interface(e.g., battery cover) that interferes with the profile of the case.

In another implementation, the battery is replaceable by the user. Forexample, the battery may be a rechargeable type such that after thebattery has been drained and recharged after a threshold number ofcycles, the battery is replaceable by the user. As another example, thebattery may be a disposable battery (e.g., N, AA, AAA, or C cellbattery) such that after the battery is drained, the user removes thedrained battery from the case, and installs a new battery.

The user input element (e.g., case button) allows a user to communicatewith the case. In a specific embodiment, the user input element is abutton that the user can push. Pushing the button displays the batterystatus indicator, the synchronization indicator, or both. In a specificembodiment, at least one LED functions as a battery status indicator andas a synchronization indicator. In this specific embodiment, pushing thebutton for a first threshold time period lights a first LED in a firstmode. In the first mode, the LED is solid and indicates a batterystatus. Pushing the button for a second threshold time period (e.g., 2,3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 seconds), greater than the first threshold timeperiod, lights the first LED in a second mode, different from the firstmode. In the second mode, the LED is blinking and indicates asynchronization status.

The modes associated with a pattern may vary. For example, to indicate abattery status, an LED may blink twice or all the LEDs may flash oneafter the other from left to right. Also, a blinking LED in a firstpattern may indicate that the phone is ready to be synchronized. Ablinking LED in a second pattern, different from the first pattern, mayindicate that synchronization is complete.

Further, the blinks may be in any pattern. Some examples of patternsinclude a long blink, followed by a short blink; two long blinksfollowed by three short blinks; one short blink, followed by two longblinks. In a specific implementation, all the LEDs blink twice toindicate there is a problem with recharging the battery.

It should be appreciated that there may be any number of user inputelements or buttons. It should also be appreciated that the user inputelements may not necessarily be a button. For example, the user inputelement may be a microphone to accept a voice command from the user. Asanother example, the user input element may be a touch screen or asliding switch that the user slides back and forth.

The audio-video (A/V) openings include one or more holes or openings inthe lower case portion, the upper case portion, or both. These openingsdirect audio information, video information, or both from the phone tothe user. These openings also allow the phone to receive audioinformation, video information, or both.

The cable may be any type of cable having any number of wires that canelectronically connect the case to the computer or power source. In aspecific embodiment, the cable is a USB cable (e.g., USB 2.0 cable)where connector 2644 is a USB mini-A plug (or male connector) andconnector 2648 is a USB type-B plug (or male connector). The cableallows battery 2317, battery 2604, or both to be charged by thecomputer, power source, or both. The cable also allows the portableelectronic device and the computer (or other device) to be synchronized.

In another embodiment, connector 2648 is plugged into an automotivecigarette lighter plug (e.g., 12 volt automotive lighter plug, 6 voltautomotive lighter plug), a type A flat blade electrical plug, or a typeB flat blade with round grounding pin plug. However, different parts ofthe world use different types of electrical plugs. For example, a type Cplug is common in Europe. The U.S. Department of Commerce, InternationalTrade Administration publication Electric Current Abroad, 1998 edition,reprinted 2002, which is incorporated by reference, describes differenttypes of electrical plugs used in different parts of the world, whichare suitable for use as connector 2648 of the present invention.

The length of the cable ranges from about 0.3 meters to about 5 meters.The cable may also be less than 0.3 meters or more than 4.9 meters. Thevariations in cable length reflect the many different preferences thatusers may have. For example, some users may desire a longer cable sothat they can place the case further away from the second electronicdevice. Other users may desire a shorter cable to lessen the likelihoodthat the cable will become tangled.

The cable, however, is optional and is not included in someimplementations of the invention. In this specific embodiment, the outerconnector includes wireless capabilities. For example, the outerconnector may be a wireless transceiver, a wireless receiver, or awireless transmitter. This allows the case and computer or power sourceto communicate wirelessly. Such wireless communication may beaccomplished using any wireless technology (e g, infrared, Wi-Fi,Bluetooth, radio frequency, microwave, 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b,802.11g, 802.11-2007, and 802.11n, or wireless USB). Such wirelessfeatures may also allow batteries 2317, 2604, or both to be wirelesslycharged (e.g., resonance charging).

FIG. 34 shows a circuit block diagram for the case. This diagram showsmore details of circuitry 2616 and components of lower case portion2612. The circuit blocks in this figure implement the functionality andmodes of the case described above.

The case has a connector 3404 for connecting to a portable electronicdevice 3408 which the case is designed for. In a specificimplementation, the portable electronic device is a smartphone having a30-pin connector. So, the case has a corresponding 30-pin innerconnector that fits into the phone's connector. For example, the caseincludes a male inner connector that fits into the phone's femaleconnector. In other implementations, however, the case's inner connectorcan have any number or combination of pins and shapes in order tointerface with the portable electronic device that the case is designedfor.

Through connector 3404, the case circuitry interfaces with the phone,such as for charging the phone's battery and synchronizing. To chargethe phone battery, power from a lithium battery 3412 is passed through aDC-to-DC converter block 3416 and connector 3404 to the phone. Tosynchronize data, input-output (I/O) via a mini-USB connector 3420 ispassed through wires 3424 (i.e., differential D+ and D− signals) throughUSB resistors 3428, converter 3416, connector 3404 to the phone.

An implementation of the case uses a mini-USB connector (e.g., USBmini-B). However other connectors may be used such as USB type A, typeB, mini-A, micro-AB, or micro-B. Also, other types of connectors such asFireWire (i.e., an IEEE 1394 interface, i.LINK, or Lynx), eSATA, or aproprietary connector may be used instead or in addition.

Through an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter circuit 3432, analog datacan be converted to digital data for the phone. Digital data from thephone can be converted into analog form for further processing, or viceversa. For example, A/D converter circuit 3432 is connected to battery3412 and is used to collect analog measurement information (e.g.,voltage level) about the battery. This information is converted todigital form by the A/D converter and used in the fuel gauge algorithms(see discussion on fuel gauge mode above) to determine and indicate thecharge level of the battery.

In a specific implementation, when an electronic device is connected tothe case, the electronic device looks for an authentication orhandshaking signal (e.g., sending of an authentication code). If thedevice does not receive the proper authentication, the device maydisplay a message (e.g., nag message) that the case is not an authorizedperipheral for the device or the device can simply not allow the casecircuitry to interface with the phone (e.g., not allow charging orsynchronization).

An authentication circuit 3440 can be included in the circuitry toprovide proper authentication to the electronic device. Thisauthentication circuit can connect to the other circuitry of the casethrough a microcontroller (uC) 3444 interface. In a specificimplementation, microcontroller 3444 is the ATMega32 from Atmel.

When the authentication circuit is present, the user, for example, willnot see a nag message on the phone. In an implementation, when theauthentication circuit is not present, the user will see a nag message,but afterwards, the case will still function (e.g., provide thefunctionality described in the tables in FIGS. 27 and 28) with thedevice.

The case has lithium-ion polymer battery 3412 to provide extra chargeand capacity for the phone. See above discussion for more detail on thefunctionality. In an implementation, case battery 3412 has a nominalcapacity of 1390 milliamp-hours. The capacity can range from about 1330milliamp-hours to about 1490 milliamp-hours. In comparison, theelectronic device's battery capacity is approximately 1150milliamp-hours. So, with the addition of case battery 3412, the device'sbattery life will approximately double.

In a specific implementation, the case battery has a length of about 74millimeters, a width of about 41 millimeters, and a thickness of about4.2 millimeters (after swelling). A weight of the battery is about 28grams. A discharging operating temperature for the battery is about −20degrees Celsius to about 60 degrees Celsius. The battery can berecharged using a standard charging current (665 milliamps at 4.2 volts)in about 2.5 hours or a rapid charging current (1330 milliamps at 4.2volts) in about 1.5 hours. The battery provides an output voltage ofabout 3.7 volts.

The case includes circuitry for charging case battery 3412. Power issupplied through USB connector 3420 to a battery charging circuit 3448,which is connected to the battery. The battery charging circuit suppliesthe voltages and currents to the battery for charging, and can detectwhen the battery is fully charged (at which point circuit 3448 stopscharging the battery). The charging circuit can also include a DC-to-DCconverter to convert the voltage received at the USB connector (e.g., 5volts) to the voltage used to charge the battery (e.g., 4.2 volts).Battery charging circuit 3448 may be implemented using an integratedcircuit manufactured, for example, by Linear Technology Corporation,Maxim Integrated Products, Incorporated, or National SemiconductorCorporation.

A battery control circuit 3452 is connected to battery charging circuit3448 to control its operation. For example, the battery control circuitcan direct the charging circuit to charge the battery or stop chargingthe battery, such as when the user wants to enter the synchronizationmode.

Via DC-to-DC converter 3416, case battery 3412 is used to charge thebattery of the electronic device. Converter 3416 is used to convert theoutput voltage of the battery (e.g., 3.7 volts) to the voltage levelused by the phone (e.g., 3.3 volts or 5 volts). In a specificimplementation, the phone uses 5 volts and converter 3416 converts theoutput voltage of the battery to 5 volts.

A fuel gauge circuit 3456 is connected to case battery 3412, which willdetermine a charge level of the battery. The determined charge level ispassed to a control system circuit 3460, which appropriately lights LEDindicators 3464 to show the user the charge level. In an implementation,the control system uses a 3.3 volt level, and there is a 3.3 volt powerconverter circuit 3468 that takes power (e.g., 5 volts) from the USB andconverts it to the desired level.

Control system circuit 3460 controls the case's overall operationalmodes as described above. For example, the control system controls thebattery charging, battery level, authentication, and synchronizationoperations. The control system can be implemented using amicrocontroller and firmware. The firmware may be encrypted. Themicrocontroller will decrypt the firmware before utilizing it.

Some examples of microcontrollers include processors from IntelCorporation, International Business Machines Corporation, MIPSTechnology Incorporated, ARM Limited, and Atmel Corporation. Forexample, Atmel manufactures the AVR® 8-bit microcontroller products,which is described in data sheets and other product literature publishedby Atmel, which is incorporated by reference along with all otherreferences cited in this application. Such a controller can be used tocontrol operation of the case.

The figure shows a functional block diagram that can be implementedusing any number of integrated circuits and any number of circuitboards. For example, battery charging circuit 3448 can be one integratedcircuit. Authentication circuit 3440 can be another integrated circuit.The fuel gauge, battery control, A/D, control system, and UC can beimplemented using a single integrated circuit. The integrated circuit orchips can be placed on one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs)connected by wiring. The architecture may depend on many factors, suchas the cost, availability, and time to market.

FIG. 35 shows a layout view of the components for the lower caseportion, as viewed from a back of the lower case portion. There arethree PCBs, PCB1 3504, PCB2 3508, and PCB3 3512. PCB1 3504 is the mainPCB, which contains the controller, firmware, authentication chip,battery charging circuit, and LEDs. PCB2 3508 contains the caseconnector (e.g., 30 pin connector). PCB3 3512 contains the USBconnector. PCB1 3504 connects to PCB2 3508 through a cable 3514. PCB13504 connects to PCB3 3512 through a cable 3514.

In a specific implementation, cables 3514 are flexible printed circuit(FlexPC) cables. In another implementation, cables 3514 are not flexibleprinted circuit cables, but other connections or cabling such as ribboncables or wires.

A first section 3516 of the lower case portion holds the PCBs, while asecond section 3520 holds a case battery 3524. The case battery isconnected to PCB1 3504. In an implementation, the battery has plus(e.g., red) and minus (e.g., black) wires that are connected to theappropriate points of PCB1 3504. Below the battery, on the other side ofthe lower case portion, is the portable electronic device 101 (indicatedwith broken lines). Note that the portable electronic device extendsbelow PCB1 3504.

Beneath PCB1 3504 is a shield 3524. FIG. 36 shows a cross section offirst section 3516. As shown, the shield is between PCB1 3504 and theportable electronic device. In particular, the shield is between thecase circuitry and the base front surface. This copper shield serves toprotect the portable electronic device from any electrical or radiointerference (RF) generated by PCB1 3504, and vice versa. When there isless interference or noise interfering with the portable electronicdevice's operation, the portable electronic device will have betteroperating characteristics. For example, a phone will have betterreception and transmission (e.g., less drop outs and voice conversationswill be clearer).

In a specific implementation, shield 3524 is made of copper, but inother implementations, this shield can be made of any conductivematerials such as aluminum, platinum, gold, or silver.

In a specific implementation, a length 3528 and width 3532 of the firstsection is about 35 and 63 millimeters. An area of the first section isabout 2205 square millimeters. A length 3536 and width 3540 of thesecond section is about 87 and 54 millimeters. An area of the secondsection is about 4698 square millimeters. A ratio of the first sectionto the second section is about 0.469 (i.e., 2205 square millimeters/4698square millimeters). In other implementations, however, the ratio can bein the range from about 0.333 to about 0.6. Generally, the greater theratio, the battery will be larger and can provide longer battery life.

As shown in FIG. 36, PCB1 3504 is placed in a first orientation (e.g.,horizontal), while PCB2 3508 is positioned in a second orientation,which is transverse (e.g., vertical) to PCB1 3504. PCB3 3512 is alsopositioned in the first orientation.

PCB2 3508 has the internal case connector 168 (e.g., 30-pin connector),which is connected to the portable electronic device. PCB3 3512 has theUSB or an outer connector 2632.

Portable electronic device 101 is connected to inner connector 168,which is connected to the PCB2. The case also has outer connector 2632to allow connections to a power source or computer. The outer connectoris connected to the PCB3. Both the PCB2 and PCB3 are connected to themain PCB1 through cables 3514. The main PCB1 also includes LEDs 3604.

The PCBs and shield are attached to base lower back 3704 of the lowercase portion. The lower case portion also includes a base front back3708 which covers the PCBs and shields. The base lower back and basefront back form a space which encases the PCBs, shield, and othercomponents of the case. The base lower back and base front back can bemade of plastic.

FIG. 37 shows a top view of a sound box formed by base lower back 3704and base front back 3708. In addition to housing the circuitry, the baselower back and base front back provides a sound box, which enhances thesound and audio characteristics of the portable electronic device.

In particular, base lower back 3704 has audio openings (for a speaker ormicrophone, or both) 172 a and 172 b. The openings can be for twochannels for stereo sound. See FIG. 1B which show the speaker openingsfor a specific implementation.

A base front back 3708 has audio openings or grille 808. See FIG. 8 fora specific implementation. A distance 3712 between the audio openings inthe base lower back and base front back is about 12 millimeters. Betweenthe openings in the base lower back and base front back is the enclosurespace that enhances the sound. This space may be referred to as a soundbox space 3716. For example, this space helps deepen the bass (e.g.,better low frequency response) of the audio and generally enhances thesound.

Distance 3712 can be any value, such as 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, orgreater than 20 millimeters. The greater distance 3712 is, the betterthe low frequency response generally will be because the enclosure islarger.

Generally, it is desirable to locate the openings such that they arealigned, parallel to, or coaxial with a direction that the sound istraveling. This helps to improve the transmission quality and clarity ofthe sound.

In a specific implementation, openings 172 a and 172 b and grille 808are located near the case circuitry. This location helps heat releasedfrom the circuit escape from the case.

These audio openings may be of any size, any shape, any combination ofsizes, or any combination of shapes. Some examples of shapes includecircles, squares, rectangles, crescents, and ovals. An opening may bebounded on all sides by the case. Or, an opening may be partiallybounded by the case. There may be any number of openings and theseopenings may be located anywhere on the case.

FIG. 38 shows a side view of the sound box formed by a base front back3804 and a base lower back 3808. FIG. 38 shows sound box 3716 and mainPCB1 3504 enclosed between base front back 3804 and base lower back3808. A case battery 3810 is between base front back 3804 and a baseupper back 3812.

Base lower back 3808 and base upper back 3812 meet at a seam line 3816and are not flush with each other. The base lower back rises slightlyabove the base upper back so that when the upper case portion and lowercase portions meet, the exterior surfaces of the upper case portion andthe base lower back become flush with each other.

In a specific implementation, the case material is hard or rigid plasticor a nonelastomeric material such as a polycarbonate (e.g., Bayer PC2405or Makrolon® by Bayer Material Science LLC). The case material can be aplastic such as a high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene,thermoplastic, amorphous thermoplastic, or other resin or polymer.

Some examples of thermoplastics includes acrylonitrile butadiene styrene(ABS), acrylic, celluloid, cellulose acetate, ethylene-vinyl acetate(EVA), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), fluoroplastics, ionomers, Kydex®,liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polyacetal (POM or acetal), polyacrylates(acrylic), polyacrylonitrile (PAN or acrylonitrile), polyamide (PA ornylon), polyamide-imide (PAI), polyaryletherketone (PAEK or ketone),polybutadiene (PBD), polybutylene (PB), polybutylene terephthalate(PBT), polycaprolactone (PCL), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE),polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycyclohexylene dimethyleneterephthalate (PCT), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), polyketone (PK),polyester, polyethylene (PE), polyetheretherketone (PEEK),polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethersulfone(PES), polysulfone, polyethylenechlorinates (PEC), polyimide (PI),polylactic acid (PLA), polymethylpentene (PMP), polyphenylene oxide(PPO), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyphthalamide (PPA), polypropylene(PP), polystyrene (PS), polysulfone (PSU), polytrimethyleneterephthalate (PTT), polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl acetate (PVA),polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), andstyrene-acrylonitrile (SAN).

A soft-touch or rubberized coating may be applied to the case surface tohelp improve a user's grip on the case. The soft-touch coating can makethe case surface tacky or slightly tacky. In an implementation, bothupper and lower case portions are made from the same material. However,in other implementations, the upper and lower case portions may be madeof different types of materials (e.g., different types of plastics). Inother implementations, the case material may be (or include), ratherthan a hard or rigid plastic, a compliant or rubber-like material suchas a gel, elastomeric, silicone, or rubber.

When a hard plastic is used, some portions of the case can be polishedto have a high gloss finish (e.g., similar to a glossy black piano),while other portions will have the soft-touch coating (which is a mattefinish). In other implementations, all surfaces can have a high glossfinish. Or, all surfaces can be coated with the soft-touch coating.

In an implementation, base front surface 164 (FIG. 10), upper interiorsurface 916 (FIG. 9), inserts 1004 a and 1004 b (FIG. 10), have a highgloss finish. Surfaces 1104 (FIG. 11), 1212 (FIG. 12), 1208 (FIG. 12),3812 (FIG. 10), 408 (FIG. 4), 412 a-e (FIG. 4), 420 (FIG. 12), 3816(FIG. 8), 3818 (FIG. 7), 3827 (FIG. 5), and 3831 (FIG. 6) have thesoft-touch coating.

The high gloss finish can be obtained or achieved by polishing, sanding,rubbing, or buffing the surface with a relatively fine grit material(e.g., sandpaper, polishing cloth, or paste). One can polish the plasticwith successively finer grit materials until the desired finish isobtained. Polishing can be performed using a buffing machine, such as arotary buffing machine or other buffing machine.

The soft-touch coating can be applied by, for example, spraying,brushing, or painting an appropriate coating on the desired surfaces. Ina specific implementation, the coating has a thickness of about 0.1millimeters. But the thickness of the coating can vary, for example, dueto manufacturing variations. In other implementations, for example, thethickness can be from about 0.05 millimeters to about 0.3 millimeters.In further implementations, the coating can be less than 0.05millimeters or greater than 0.3 millimeters. Generally, the surfaceswhere the soft-touch coating will be applied do not need to be polishedbefore the coating is applied. However, it may be desirable to buffslightly before applying the coating to ensure the surface is smooth(but not necessarily a high gloss finish) before applying the coating.

As shown in FIG. 10, base front surface 164 may include strips 160 a and160 b, which are parallel to each other and vertical (when viewing thecase in a portrait orientation). As discussed above, these strips helpprotect the finish of the back of the portable electronic device.

In other implementations, the case can be a material other than plastic.Some examples of case materials include metal (e.g., stainless steel ortitanium), glass, transparent or translucent plastic, sapphire, diamond,leather, vinyl, quartz, granite, and many others.

Some specific flows and techniques are described for making a case ofthe invention in this application, but it should be understood that theinvention is not limited to the specific flows and steps presented. Aflow of the invention may have additional steps (not necessarilydescribed in this application), different steps which replace some ofthe steps presented, fewer steps or a subset of the steps presented, orsteps in a different order than presented, or any combination of these.Further, the steps in other implementations of the invention may not beexactly the same as the steps presented and may be modified or alteredas appropriate for a particular application or based on the data.

In an implementation, the back of the lower case portion has aflush-mounted case button and flush lighting indicators. FIGS. 39-42show steps in a process for making a flush lighting indicator on asurface of the case (e.g., 412 a-e of FIG. 4). In an implementation, theprocess includes:

1. Providing a starting material having a uniform thickness. As shown inFIG. 39, the case material is a plastic 3904 having a certain thickness.This plastic is about 95 percent or greater opaque, which means visiblelight (e.g., LED light) will not shine through it easily. The plasticcan be less than 95 percent opaque. For example, the material may betransparent or translucent.

The plastic has two sides, a first side 3908 and a second side 3912. Thefirst side is the side which the user will see and can touch. The secondside is the underside, which faces the circuitry and is generally hiddenfrom the user. Between the first side and second side is a thickness3916. In a specific implementation, thickness 3916 is about 1.4millimeters. Thickness 3916 can vary. In other implementations, forexample, thickness 3916 is from about 0.95 millimeters to about 2millimeters. In further implementations, the thickness is less than 0.95millimeters or greater than 2 millimeters.

2. Forming a cavity in the material. As shown in FIG. 40, a cavity 4004(e.g., trench or lacuna) is formed in the starting material. Cavity 4004is a partial opening and does not go through the entire thickness ofmaterial 3904. The cavity may be formed using any process for creatingan opening including molding, melting, drilling, and etching. Forexample, cavity 4004 is created by drilling into the plastic from thesecond side to the first side but not through the first side.

A thickness from a bottom 4006 of the cavity to the first side is athickness 4008. In a specific implementation, thickness 4008 is about0.4 millimeters. However, thickness 4008 can vary depending, forexample, on manufacturing variations. For example, the thickness canvary from about 0.2 millimeters to about 0.7 millimeters.

A ratio of thickness 4008 to thickness 3916 is about 0.286 (i.e., 0.4millimeters/1.4 millimeters). If thickness 4008 remains at 0.4millimeters, the ratio can vary depending on the thickness 3916. Asthickness 3916 increases, the ratio will decrease. In otherimplementations, a ratio of thickness 4008 to thickness 3916 is about0.05, 0.12, 0.15, 0.18, 0.20, 0.22, 0.28, 0.32, 0.33, 0.38, or 0.42, orany other ratio.

Thickness 4008 will be sufficiently thin so the plastic will be muchless than 95 percent opaque, so light can very easily pass through athin portion 4008, but not through the thick portion 3916. The lightwill be visible from the first side through thickness 4008. For example,for thickness 4008, the opacity can be in a range from about 5 percentto about 30 percent.

The degree of opaqueness can be varied by varying a thickness 4008. Athinner 4008 will generally allow greater light transmission, while athicker 4008 will block light transmission. Thus, depending on thematerial, and by selecting an appropriate thickness 4008, the brightnessof the indicator lights can be adjusted as desired.

In an implementation, the cavity is circular to create a circularindicator light, such as shown in FIG. 43. But in other implementations,the cavity can be other shapes. For example, the cavity shape can be atriangle, trapezoid, square, rectangle, oval, pentagon, hexagon,octagon, or other.

3. Coating one side of the material. As shown in FIG. 41, the first sideof the plastic, which is the side opposite the opening, is applied(e.g., painted, sprayed, or brushed on) with a coating 4104. The coatingsprayed has a thickness 4108, less than thickness 3916. In a specificimplementation, the coating is sprayed over the first side of theplastic including the surface above the opening. Before and afterapplying the coating, the exterior surface (3908 and 4104) of the caseis smooth.

In a specific implementation, the coating is clear and allows visiblelight from the second side to pass through and be visible from the firstside. Coating 4104 is the same soft-touch coating that is applied to theexterior of the rest of the case. This soft-touch coating allows visiblelight from the second side to pass through and be visible from the firstside. In another specific implementation, coating thickness 4108 and thecoating of the case both have the same thickness. In this specificimplementation, coating 4108 and the coating of the case have athickness of about 0.1 millimeters. As discussed above, this thicknessmay vary.

4. Positioning the cavity over a lighting source. As shown in FIG. 42,the opening is positioned above a lighting source 4204 such as an LED.The opening can be above the lighting source (e.g., offset or to theside) as long as light from the light source can pass through theopening and be visible from the first side. In a specificimplementation, the opening is directly above the lighting source. Inanother specific implementation, the lighting source is positionedfacing toward the cavity such that when the lighting source emitsvisible light, it passes through thickness 4008 and 4108, but notthickness 3916, to the first side.

When the LED lights up, the light from the second side is visiblethrough the opening and coating (4212) from the first side. But light isnot visible through other portions (4215) where the case material isthicker. The LED may be on a printed circuit board PCB 4219.

FIG. 43 shows a top view of the lighting indicator from the first sideof the plastic. The lighting indicator is shown using broken lines toindicate it is hidden when it is not lighted. Specifically, when LED4204 lights up, a user can see light through the opening and coating.The shape of the cavity will be the shape of the light. With the flushlighting cover of the invention, when the LED is not lighted up, theuser may not even realize that the lighting indicator is there. When notlighted, the surface of the case over the opening (4212) appears thesame as the thicker portions (4215).

Therefore, the lighting indicator does not project out from the surface,resulting in a smooth back surface and a smooth tactile feel (e.g.,completely flush). In other implementations, the lighting indicators maybulge above or be recessed in the surface of the case.

FIG. 44 shows a kit including a portable electronic device case with abattery (as described above). The kit includes a portable electronicdevice battery case 4402, a cable 4406 (e.g., USB cable), a user manual4408, a tray 4416, and a box 4418. The portable electronic devicebattery case can be a case as described in this application. The trayholds the case, cable, and user manual. The tray with components slidesinto the box. The user manual describes the features of the case and howto use them. The cable is for charging the case and also forsynchronizing. The cable can be a USB or a universal serial bus cablehaving a first end with a USB Type A plug connector and a second endhaving USB Mini-B plug connector.

The tray is designed with compartments to hold the case, cable, and usermanual neatly.

FIG. 44 shows a top view of the tray and multilevel compartments, whileFIG. 45 shows a cross-sectional view. The shape and depth of eachcompartment is customized for the component which it will hold (i.e.,case or cable). In other implementations, the trays are notmultileveled, but on a single level or on the same level, so that eachitem is accessible without removing another item first. The tray can bemade of a foam material (e.g., black foam) or nonfoam material.

The tray has a first level compartment 4420 to hold the cable. Above thefirst level compartment is a second level compartment 4424 to hold thecase. The second level compartment is larger in area than the firstlevel compartment. Generally, a bigger or larger area compartment isneeded to store the case than the cable. The user manual can be placedbetween the case and cable compartments. Or the user manual may beplaced over both the case and cable such as shown in FIG. 45.

On a side of the tray (e.g., top or bottom) is a loop 4428. Whenassembling the kit, the tray is inserted into the box so that loop 4428is immediately visible and accessible to the user when the user opensthe box. After the user opens the box top, the user will see loop 4428and can easily grab the loop to pull the tray out of the box.

In other implementations, however, there may be any number of cavitieswith different arrangements. In another specific implementation, thetray has a separate cavity (e.g., on a single level) for the usermanual, case, and cable. The cavity levels allow the kit to have a thinand organized packaging.

The kit was described as having the box, user manual, cable, and tray.In other implementations, however, components of the kit can include anycombinations of these components and can contain more components. Forexample, a kit can contain two USB cables, a tray, and a box.

This description of the invention has been presented for the purposes ofillustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the invention to the precise form described, and manymodifications and variations are possible in light of the teachingabove. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to bestexplain the principles of the invention and its practical applications.This description will enable others skilled in the art to best utilizeand practice the invention in various embodiments and with variousmodifications as are suited to a particular use. The scope of theinvention is defined by the following claims.

1. A case for an electronic device comprising: a first case portioncomprising: a base surface upon which a back of a housing of theelectronic device will be placed against, wherein the base surfacecomprises a top edge; a battery, enclosed in the first case portion;electronic circuitry, coupled to the battery; a lower sidewall,connected to the base surface at an end opposite of the top edge, thatwill be positioned against a bottom side edge of the electronic device;an inner connector, on the lower sidewall, positioned to connect to aconnector of the electronic device, and coupled through the electroniccircuitry to the battery; and an outer connector, positioned on anoutside of the first case portion, coupled through the electroniccircuitry to the battery and inner connector, wherein the electroniccircuitry comprises a recharging circuit, wherein the recharging circuitcan recharge the battery; a plurality of visible indicators; a batterycharge level indication circuit, coupled to the plurality of visibleindicators and the battery; a button coupled to the electroniccircuitry, which when pressed causes the battery charge level indicationcircuit to determine a charge level of the battery and one or more thevisible indicators to be displayed to reflect the determined chargelevel, and a second case portion comprising: an upper sidewall that willbe positioned against a top side edge of the electronic device when thesecond case portion is seated against the first case portion; and anopen side end, opposite of the upper sidewall, wherein the second caseportion slides onto the first case portion through the open side end,wherein when the second case portion is seated against the first caseportion, the first and second case portions meet at and form a seamwhich extends across a back of the case, and when the second caseportion is seated against the first case portion, a first open-shapedopening for the first case portion merges with a second open-shapedopening for the second case portion to form a front opening of the casethrough which a screen of the electronic device will be visible, thefront opening having a closed shape.
 2. A case for an electronic device,the electronic device having a first rechargeable battery, the casecomprising: a first case portion comprising: a case connector, adaptedto connect to a device connector of the electronic device; a secondrechargeable battery, coupled to the case connector, wherein the secondrechargeable can be used to charge the first rechargeable battery; and aprinted circuitry board comprising electronic circuitry, coupled to thebattery and the case connector, wherein the electronic circuitrycomprises: a recharging circuit, wherein the recharging circuit canrecharge the second rechargeable battery; a plurality of visualindicators; a battery charge level indication circuit, coupled to theplurality of visual indicators and the second rechargeable battery; anda button coupled to the electronic circuitry, which when pressed causesthe battery charge level indication circuit to determine a charge levelof the second rechargeable battery and one or more the visual indicatorsto be displayed to reflect the determined charge level; and a secondcase portion, wherein when the second case portion is seated against thefirst case portion, a first open-shaped opening for the first caseportion merges with a second open-shaped opening for the second caseportion to form a front opening of the case through which a screen ofthe electronic device will be visible, the front opening having a closedshape.
 3. The case of claim 2 wherein the second rechargeable batteryhas a charge capacity the same as or greater than a charge capacity ofthe first rechargeable battery.